Written by Tania Cloete
Photography by Shannon Fletcher
When Tosca – now affectionately known as Lulu the Lion Cub – was surrendered to the Animal Welfare Society Helderberg, in Gordon’s Bay, she was a frightened little soul. Whenever someone tried to approach her, she’d retreat into a corner and stand upright like a tiny meerkat, desperately trying to make herself feel safe.
The moment I saw the shelter’s post about her, something touched my heart. I contacted Clare Travis and asked whether I could adopt this precious little fighter. By the following morning, everything had been arranged, and I made my way to the shelter to bring her home.
When I first met Lulu, she was shivering and extremely unsure of everything around her. It was a very cold morning, so I gently wrapped her in a warm, soft blanket. She didn’t yet know that she was safe or that her life was about to change forever.
When we arrived home, Lulu was nervous and barked at all the unfamiliar people. I sat down on the floor and slowly began interacting with her, allowing her to approach me in her own time. Gradually, she started to relax – and then I received more kisses than I could ever have hoped for! It was as though she’d finally realised that she was home.
Since that day, Tosca, our Lulu the Lion Cub, has blossomed into a wonderfully happy, playful and loveable little dog. She seems to think and behave like a human being and keeps us constantly entertained with her unique personality.
She loves playing with her sister, Perdy, sleeping in the bed and being as close to us as possible. When my daughter and I watch television, Lulu simply has to sit between us – or, preferably, on top of one of us!
Although she’s made incredible progress, Lulu is still very wary of strangers. When someone she doesn’t know enters the house, she’ll bark continuously while reversing into a corner. Trust doesn’t come easily to her, and it takes time and patience for her to feel safe around a new person. However, once she decides that she can trust you, she showers you with affection and wants to be all over you.
We’re incredibly grateful that Lulu came into our lives. She’s a beautiful soul who’s brought so much happiness, laughter and love into our home.
It still blows my mind that people can treat animals so cruelly when all they ever ask from us is kindness – and all they give us in return is unconditional love and unwavering loyalty.
Lulu may have begun her journey as a frightened little dog cowering in a corner, but today she’s our brave little lion cub: deeply loved, fiercely protected, and finally home.
